Apparatus for unloading and loading railway vehicles



May 25, 1937.

l. E. KULLERSTRAND APPARATUS FOR UNLOADING AND LOADING RAILWAY VEHICLES Filed March'll, 1955 3 Sheets-Sheet l M1/MM 21 May 25, 1937.

l. E. KULLERSTRAND APPARATUS FOR UNLOADING AND LOADING RAILWAY VEHICLES Filed March 11, Y1935 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 I Mai 25, 1937. Il. E. KULLl-:RsTRANp 2,081,178

APPARATUS FOR UNLOADING AND LADING` RAILWAY VEHICLES Filed March 11. 1955 l s sheets-sheet s -f ze Patented May 25, 1937 UNITED STATES APPARATUS FOR UNIJOADING AND LOADING RAILWAY VEHICLES Iver E. Kullerstrand, Chicago, Ill.

Application March 11, 1935, Serial No. 10,419

15 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in apparatus for unloading and loading railway vehicles and it consists of the matters hereinafter described and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In accordance with the present practice of unloading and loading cars at freight terminals, it is the custom to spot the cars upon the track along side thestationary platform of the terminal or freight house. While such platforms are relatively long, they can serve only one train at a time. The cars are then unloaded and loaded by means of hand trucks. This is a slow and laborious Way, which holds the cars at the platform and blocks the use of the track until the cars are cleared and this results in freight Ayard congestion.

` Oneof the objects of the present invention is to provide apparatus whereby freight cars may be quickly cleared from the terminal platform track so that a greater number of cars may be served in a definite period of time, thus facilitating freight movement and reducing delays and demurrage charges for cars standing idle upon the tracks of the terminal, awaiting an opportunity for unloading and loading.

A further object of the invention is to provide apparatus of this kind wherein the cars are provided with load receiving platforms movable laterally out of the car, onto one of a plurality of vertically movable supports that are operated to move said platform into a plane different from that of the car bottom and simultaneously therewith to bring into the plane of said car bottom, a second support carrying a loaded platform that may be moved into `the car as a load. Thus the car for the unloading and loading operations remain at the platform for the briefest period of time and is then cleared to make Way for the next carand so on.

The above mentioned objects of the invention, as well as others, together with the advantages thereof, will more fully appear as I proceed with my specification.

In the drawings- Fig. l is a somewhat diagrammatic vertical sectional view through an apparatus embodying my invention, along `with a railway vehicle or car, to be loaded or unloaded. l

Fig. 2 is a somewhat diagrammatic horizontal sectional view through the apparatus and car shown in Fig. l as taken on the line l2 2 of Fig. l.

`Fig. 3 is a transverse Vertical sectional view through the-car on an enlarged scale.

Fig. 4 is a horizontal sectional View through one of the decks of the elevator structure on an enlarged scale as taken on the line 4-1 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a detail vertical sectional view through a part of one of the tractors'and associated platform on an enlarged scale as taken on theline 5 5 of Fig. 2.

Fig. lt is a detail view inplan of the Vparts shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a detail vertical sectional 'view onan enlarged scale, through Aone of the -partitions of the car as taken on the line 1 1 of Fig. l2.

Figs 8 to 16 inclusive are diagrammatic views illustrating the steps of unloading and Aloading a plurality of cars, with the aid of the improved apparatus.

In general, my invention contemplates the rusev of a railway vehicle, lsuch asa freight, baggage,v mail or express car having a bottom formed :with a plurality of antifriction members or rollers for receiving a platform upon which 'the articles of 'merchandise constituting the freight 'is supported for lateral movement into and out of the' car. In connection with the cars mentioned, the invention kcontemplatesthe provision of an elevator structure disposed between the cars 'and the one or more stationaryv platforms of ay freight terminal or warehouse or passenger depot.

Ihis structure includes a plurality of vertically spaced, simultaneously movable decks Vor `supports, each provided with antifriction members or rollers such as are used in the cars, to receive a platform. These decks are spaced in accordance with that ofthe stationary platforms-ofthe terminal or warehouse, one of which is disposed in substantially the plane vof' the car bottom. Preferably each elevator deck carries -a power tractor device that is transversely movable on guides or rails on the respective deck and each device is provided with means whereby it may be detachably connected to a platform whetherthe same be on the associated deck or upon'the car, bottom.

Preferably in the use of the improved apparatus, one deckA of the elevator is left devoid 'of aplatform and is disposed in the plane of the bottom of a car to be unloaded and loaded, shuntedr or switched into operative position with respect to the elevator structure.v The car is provided with side doors that are movable overhead the freight load, into a position beneath the roof.

The tractor on the empty deck now in theA plane of the car bottom is run laterally outward on said deck and is operatively connected to the loaded platform in the car. The tractor is then operated until 'the `platform vis drawn onto said deck and the elevator mechanism is operated to move that deck out of the plane of the car bottom and to bring another deck with its loaded platform into the plane of the car bottom. The tractor on the second deck is then operated to push the loaded platform into the car after which the tractor is detached therefrom and retracted inwardly on its deck. The loaded platform in the car may then be secured to said bottom against longitudinal or lateral lurching, the doors may be closed and the car is then ready for switching to the make up track for incorporation into its proper train.

As many decks may be included in the elevator device as is necessary so that each device may take care of the unloading and loading of several cars. When the unloading and loading track is unoccupied, the various decks are brought into operative relation with respect to the stationary platforms and the platforms on said decks are unloaded and reloaded for further operations.

Referring now in detail to that embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawingsl indicates, as a whole, the structure of a freight terminal or warehouse having a plurality of vertically spaced floors 2, 3 and 4 respectively, which constitute stationary platforms for the distribution and sorting of the merchandise comprising the in and out freight being handled. Preferably the floor or platform 4 is substantially at street level and is the floor to which and from which merchandise is delivered and removed by motor trucks and the like. The floors 3 and 2 respectively, may be the basement and sub-basement oors and are connected to each other and to the floor or platform 4 by suitable ramps. Thus they three platforms are connected to permit movement of hand trucks and the like employed in classifying and sorting freight for shipment or local distribution.

Spaced laterally from the platforms of the terminal or warehouse is a railway track 5 which constitutes the unloading and loading track for railway vehicles 6 for the incoming and outgoing merchandise or freight.

Each vehicle may be in the nature of the so-called freight car and includes the usual trucks vI to run upon the track 5, and a floor or bottom 8 which is so arranged as to be disposed in the plane of the stationary platform 4. Each car has end and intermediate uprights 9 at each side for supporting the roof I8 and to act as guides for doors II, which when closed form the sides of the car. Any suitable end structure I2 may be employed on the cars. Preferably the doors are of the so-called jointed, sectional, overhead type that run in guides up under the roof when said doors are opened.

Transverse partitions 9a are employed between' the intermediate uprights 9 to divide the cars into a plurality of compartments. In each partition, upright rollers 9b of considerable length are so journalled that peripheral portions of said rollers project beyond both sides of said partitions as best shown in Fig. 7. The purpose of these rollers will appear later.

In the floor or bottom of each compartment is provided a plurality of antifriction members such as rollers I3 upon which` a platform I4 may be moved into and out of the car. These platforms are each adapted to have the various boxes, crates, bales or packages I5 of merchandise,

making up the freight load of the car, stacked thereon. Each platform which may be made of wood, is of a Width slightly less than the width of the car and of a length approximating the length of the compartments into which the car is divided. The rollers 9b previously mentioned act as guides for the ends of the platforms and the loads thereon as said platforms are moved into and out of the car.

At the sides yof each platform are suitable openings I6 into which and from which suitable locking pins II carried by the car bottom, may be projected and retracted. These pins may be actuated in any suitable manner and as hereinshown are operatively connected to fluid pres sure actuating cylinders I8 depending fro-m the car bottom. When the pins are projected into said openings, this locks the platform solidly to the car bottom so that said platform and its load cannot shift longitudinally or laterally under car movements.

Between the track 5 and platforms 2, 3 and 4 an elevator structure I9 is located. This structure which is mobile, is disposed in a suitable pit 20 provided therefor. The bottom of said pit is in a plane below that of the floor or stationary platform 2 and on said pit bottom is a track 2I extending parallel with the track 5.

The structure I9 consists of suitable frame Work with bolsters 22 at the bottom for trucks 23, the wheels of which run upon the rails of the track 2|. The frame work of the structure includes end and intermediate uprights 24 and 25 of suitable height connected at the top by a platform 26. Upon this platform the elevator mechanism 2'I is mounted including the usual cable drum and driving motor enclosed by a suitable topor roof structure 28.

Associated with th'e end and intermediate uprights is a multiple elevator car structure comprising a plurality of vertically spaced bottom, intermediate and top decks 29, 30 and 3I respectively. Each deck is divided into compartments corresponding in length to the length of the compartments in the car 6 but having a greaterv width. Suitable cable and counterweight mechanism 32 operatively connect said car with-the drum and motor 21. The vertical spacing between the decks 29, 30 and 3I corresponds to the spacing between the stationary floors or platforms 2, 3 and 4 and as here shown, the platform 4 is disposed in the plane of the car bottom 8 as before mentioned.

Each deck 29, 30 and 3I, which is of an open character includes a pair of transversely extending guide rails 33 and rack rails 34, (see Fig. 2) the guide rails being provided with rollers 35 similar to the rollers I3 on the car bottom 8.

As before stated, the decks are Wider than the platforms I4 so that each may accommodate a platform I4 and a self-propelled tractor mecha nisrn 36. Each mechanism as best shown in Figs. 4 and 5 includes a platform-like casing 31 having track strips for engagement with the rollers 35, the top surface of the casing being flush' or disposed in the plane of the top surface of a platform. This casing thus provides a suitable place for workmen to stand when unloadingthe platform I4 while the same is disposed on an associated deck 29, 30 and 3l respectively.

Depending from the casing 3I and arranged between the rack rails of the deck is a suitable structural frame 39 upon which is supported a motor 40 and associated reverse gearing 4I which drives a longitudinal shaft 42 suitably journalled on' said structural frame. On each end of said shaft isa gear 43 Which meshes with the rack rails 34. When the shaft 42is driven in one direction or the other, it is apparent that the tractor is propelled laterally outward or` inward of the associated deck.

Means are provided in connection with. each tractor for operatively connecting it to and operatively disconnecting it from an associated platform, This means, which is best illustrated in Fig. 5 includes a pair of arms 44-44 that are Xed to a. rock shaft 45, pivoted to the outer side of the casing 31. Eacharm terminates at its outer end in a downturned hook 46 for engagement in the openings I6 in the platforms I4. Each hook includes an inclined surface 41 which is adapted to engage an inclined surface 48 on the platform I4 that leads into an opening I6. Secured to each arm 44 is a member 49 in the form of an arm and'connecting said arm` and casing is a spring 50 that normally tends to swing the varm 44 downwardly. Another arm 5I is also connected to the shaft 45 and this arm is connected vto an armature 52 of. a magnet 53 suitably secured to the underside of the casing.

In Figs. 8 to 16 inclusive, there are illustrated diagrammatically, the unloading and reloading of two cars, with the third carin a position ready forunloading. In Fig. 1 it is to be noted that the car 6 on the track 5 is ready for unloading and that the respective decks 29, 30 and 3| are disposed in the planes of the stationary platforms 2, 3 and 4 respectively, the top deck being empty, and the bottom and intermediate decks each carrying a loaded platform I4. This condition is also present in the diagrammatic Fig. 8.

To unload the first car E, the doors II thereof on that side facing the elevator I8, are opened by moving them upwardly under the roof, it being assumed, of course, that the car is properly spotted or positioned with respect to the ele--I vator structure. When the doors are disposed up under the roof, the entire side of the car is open. The cylinders I8 are then operated to retract the pins I1 from the holes I6 in the platforms on the car bottom so that said .platforms are now unlocked. The tractors 35 on the top deck 3| (which is empty) are now caused to move outwardly on their rack rails 34 and their arms 44 are automatically raised by engagement of the surfaces 41 of their hooks 46 with the surfaces 48 leading to the openings I6 so that said hooks automatically enter saidl openings under the action ofthe springs 5t. This operatively connects the tractors to the various loaded platforms in the car.

The tractors are actuated to move inwardly on their rack rails 34 and this pulls the platforms from the rollers I3 on the car bottom onto the like rollers 35-on the deck rails 33. When'the other .4 decks so as to bring the deck 35 with the loaded platform I4 thereon into the plane of the platform 4 and car bottom respectively, as shown in Fig. 10. At this time, the deck 3| is disposed in a plane above the platform 4 so that the platform I4 thereon is in temporary storage and theV deck 29 with its loaded'. platform'` I4 is brought to the level 'of the stationary platform 3.. The; tractorv mechanisml on' the deck 30 is actuated to push theplatform I4 on said deck into the car, into a positionwherein the openings I6 registery withthe pins I1. This condition is diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 11.

.The electromagnets53'are then energized to attract their'armatures'and this rocks the shaft 45 to swing the arms 44 upwardly'to withdraw the hooks 46 from the openings- Iin the platform I4. 'Ihus the tractor. is'detacl'redV from the platform and is then` withdraw-nto its normal positionV on thedeck and the pins are actuated to engage and lock the platform to the car deck. The doors of the cars are next closed and the car is ready for movement.

Without moving the elevator decks vertically, a second car loaded with incoming freight is brought into position with respect to the elevator as indicated in Fig. l2. The doors II thereof are opened and the cylinders I8 are actuated to retract the pins I1 and thus unlock the platforms I4 therein.V The tractor on. deck'30 is then run outwardly. towards the second car,.andv the 'arms 44 of said tractor are engaged with saidplatforms. The tractor is then moved inwardly on said deck 3|) and:v this empties the car. This condition is shown diagrammatically in Fig. 13. The elevator mechanismxis actuated to simultaneously raise the various decks to bring the deck 29 into the plane of the platform 4 and deck 8 of said second car, as shown in Fig; 14. The tractorslon deck 29" are now actuated to push the platforms I4.on this deck intothe second car as shown in Fig. l5, after' tors on said deck 29 are run out yto be operatively engaged with the platforms I4. These platforms are then drawn onto the deck 29. As the platforms are shifted into and out of the car, the end edges thereof engage the rollers 9b in the parti- Y tions 9a so as to be guided accurately in such shifting movement. Thus it is an easy matter to line up the openings I6 in said platforms with respect to the locking pins I1.

At thisv time, each deck is occupied by loaded platforms. If desired, the entire group of decks are causedto descend to line up with the stationary platforms 2, Sand 4 respectively, when said loaded platforms are unloaded and the merchandise sorted for local truck shipments to their destination.

The various platforms on their respective decks are reloaded with outgoing freight, and the platform on the deck 3| is moved into the third car which goes on its way. This leaves the top deck empty and the bottom and intermediate decksloaded for a repeating of the cycleY of unloading and'loading of further cars.

It is apparent that the unloading and loading of cars is quickly accomplished and during the time track 5 is being cleared and'other cars are brought into place, the freight handlers have an opportunity to unload and reload the platforms on the various decks.

The apparatus provides more clear track for car shifting', .reduces demurrage charges and makes it possible to protably'unload and load a greater number of cars in a given time. Merchandise as employed herein is to be considered in its broadest sense and to include baggage and mail.

While in describing the invention, I have referred in detail to the structure of the apparatus, as well as to certain steps and sequences thereof in the use of the apparatus, the same is to be considered only in the illustrative sense so that I do not wish to be limited thereto except as may be specifically set forth in the appended claims.

I claim as my inventionl. In an apparatus of the kind described, a plurality of vertically spaced supports each adapted to receive a merchandise receiving platform, a railway vehicle having a bottom also adapted to receive a merchandise receiving platform, means for positioning any one of said supports in the plane of said vehicle bottom, and a power operated tractor laterally movable on each support and adapted to be detachably connected to an associated platform so as toshift the platform either to remove the same off the vehicle bottom onto the support positioned in the plane of said bottom or off said support onto the car bottom.

2. In an apparatus of the kind described, a plurality of vertically spaced supports each adapted to receive a merchandise receiving platform, a railway vehicle having a bottom also adapted to receive a merchandise receiving platform, means for positioning any one of said supports in the plane of said vehicle bottom, a power operated tractor laterally movable upon each support, means carried by each tractor for detachably connecting the same to an associated platform so as to shift the platform either to remove the same off the vehicle bottom onto the support positioned in the plane of said bottom or off said support onto the car bottom.

3. In an apparatus of the kind described, a plurality of vertically spaced supports each adapted to receive a merchandise receiving platform, a railway Vehicle having a bottom also adapted to receive a merchandise receiving platform, means for positioning any one of said supports in the plane of said vehicle bottom, a power operated tractor laterally movable upon each support, means at one side of said tractor and operative as said tractor moves outwardly on said support to engage and automatically couple said platform on the car bottom to said tractor so that said tractor may be operated to shift the platform olf said vehicle bottom onto said support.

4. In an apparatus for unloading and loading railway vehicles each having a bottom, a platform for supporting merchandise and adapted for movement laterally onto and oif from a vehicle bottom, a plurality of vertically spaced and vertically movable supports arranged laterally of the side of said vehicle and each adapted to receive a platform, a structure in which said supports have guided movement and which structure is movable in the direction of the length of the vehicle, means for moving said supports to bring one of them into the plane of the vehicle bottom, means on each support for moving said platform laterally ofiE the vehicle bottom onto said last mentioned support, and means carried by said structure for simultaneously moving said platform supports vertically to bring a second support substantially into the plane of the empty vehicle bottom.

5. In an apparatus for unloading and loading railway vehicles each having a bottom, a platform for supporting merchandise adapted for movement laterally onto and off from a vehicle bottom, a plurality of vertically spaced and vertically movable supports arranged laterally to one side of said vehicle and each adapted to receive a platform, a structure in which said supports have guided movement and which structure is movable in the direction of the length of the vehicle, means for moving said supports to bring one of them into the plane of the vehicle bottom, means on each support for moving said platform laterally off the vehicle bottom onto said last mentioned support, means carried by said structiu'e for simultaneously moving said platformsupports vertically to bring a second support with a loaded `platform thereon substantially into the plane of said empty vehicle bottom, and means carried by the second support for moving said loaded platform laterally olf the said second platform support onto said vehicle bottom.

6. In an apparatus for unloading and loading railway vehicles each having a bottom, a platform for supporting merchandise adapted for movement laterally onto and off from a vehicle bottom, a plurality of vertically spaced and vertically movable supports arranged laterally to one side of said vehicle and each adapted to receive a platform, means for moving said supports to bring one of them into the plane of the vehicle bottom, means for moving said platform laterally off the vehicle bottom onto said last mentioned support, means for simultaneously moving said supports vertically to bring a second support with a loaded platform thereon substantially into the plane of said empty vehicle bottom, means for engaging a part of said loaded platform for removing said loaded platform laterally olf the second support onto said vehicle bottom, and means carried by the vehicle for engaging said platform part for locking said platform to the vehicle bottom against movement.

47. In an apparatus for unloading and loading railway vehicles each having a bottom, a. platform for supporting merchandise adapted for movement laterally onto and off from a Vehicle bottom, a plurality of vertically spaced and vertically movable supports arranged laterally to one side of said vehicle and each adapted to receive a platform, means for moving said supports to bring one of them into the plane of the vehicle bottom, power tractor means movable in a guided path laterally of said support, and means carried by said tractor means for detachably connecting the same to a platform for moving said platform onto or off of a vehicle bottom.

8. In an apparatus for unloading and loading railway vehicles, each having a bottom, a platform for supporting merchandise and adapted for movement laterally onto and oif of a vehicle bottom, an elevator structure adapted to be moved into the desired position along one side of said railway vehicle, and including a plurality of vertically spaced platform supports, each adapted to receive a loaded platform and further including mechanism for moving said supports vertically, antifriction rollers carried by each vehicle bottom and each support upon which said platform may be moved in a guided path, and tractor means on each support for moving said platform laterally off from a vehicle bottom and onto one of said supports positioned in substantially the plane of said bottom.

9. In an apparatus for unloading and loading railway vehicles, each having a bottom, a platform for supporting merchandise and adapted for movement laterally onto and olf of a vehicle bottom, an elevator structure adapted to be moved into the desired position along one side of a railway vehicle, and including a plurality of verticallyvspaced platform supports, each adapted to receive a loaded platform and further including mechanism for moving said supports vertically, antifriction rollers carried by each vehicle bottom and each support upon which said p-latform may be moved in a guided path, power tractor means movable laterally on each support, and means for detachably connecting said power tractor means to the platform for moving the same laterally off of or onto a vehicle bottom when the associated support is disposed in substantially the plane of said vehicle bottom.

10. In combination with a plurality of vertically spaced, stationary loading and unloading platforms, a railway track spaced laterally from said platforms, railway vehicles movable on said track and each having a bottom, a movable merchandise receiving platform adapted to engage upon said vehicle bottom and which bottom is adapted to be disposed in substantially the horizontal plane of one of said stationary platforms, an elevator structure arranged between said stationary platforms and said railway track and including platform supports spaced in accordance with said stationary platforms and from which, platforms on said supports may be loaded and unloaded, said structure also including means for moving said supports vertically, and

tractor means on each support adapted for detachable connection with an associated platform for moving the same off of said vehicle bottom onto the support or vice versa when said support is arranged in the plane of said vehicle bottom.

11. In combination with a stationary loading and unloading platform, a railway vehicle spaced laterally therefor and having a bottom, an elevatin-g mechanism between said stationary platform and said vehicle and having a plurality of vertically spaced supports therein, any one of which may be brought to the level of said vehicle bottom in the operation of said mechanism, a movable platform associated with each support to receive a load of merchandise and power means on each support adapted to be detachably connected to the platform thereon for moving said movable platform laterally onto or off of said vehicle bottom.

12. In combination with a building having a floor, a railroad track spaced laterally from oneedge of said oor to receive a railroad vehicle having a bottom formed to receive a merchandise platform, means arranged between the iloor edge and railroad track and including a plurality of vertically spaced supports each adapted to receive a merchandise platform, mechanism included in said means and operable to position one of said supports in the plane of said vehicle bottom, and a tractor movable on each support and operable to shift a platform either to remove the same laterally off said vehicle bottom onto" said support or olf said support onto said vehicle bottom.

13. In combination with a building having a floor, a railroad track spaced laterally from one edge of said floor to receive a railroad vehicle having a bottom formed to receive a merchandise platform, an elevator structure arranged between said track and floor edge and movable parallel with the latter, said structure including a plurality of vertically spaced supports, each adapted to receive a merchandise platform and further including mechanism operable to position any one of said supports in the plane of the vehicle bottom, and a tractor movable laterally on each support to shift a platform either to remove the same from the vehicle bottom onto said support or off said support onto the vehicle bottom.

14. In combination with a building having a plurality of vertically spaced oors, a railroad track spaced laterally from one edge of said iloors to receive a car having a bottom arranged in the plane of one of said floors and formed to receive a merchandise platform, an elevator structure between said track and said edge of said one of said floors and movable parallel with said edge, said structure including a plurality of supports spaced vertically to correspond with said floors and each of which supports is adapted to receive a merchandise platform, said structure furthe-r including mechanism operable to position any one of said supports in the plane of the car bottom, a tractor laterally movable on each support, and coacting means on each tractor and platform respectively, for coupling the same together so that said tractor is operable to shifta platform either to remove the same from the car bottom onto said support or off of said support onto the car bottom.

15. In combination with .a building having a plurality of vertically spaced floors, a railroad track spaced laterally from one edge of said oors to receive a car having a bottom arranged in the plane of one of said floors and formed to receive a merchandise platform, a pit disposed between said track and said edge of said floors, an elevator structure arranged for movement along the bottom of said pit parallel With said edge, said structure including a plurality of supports spaced vertically to correspond with said floors and each of which supports is adapted to receive a merchandise platform, said structure further including mechanism operable to position any one of said supports in the plane of the car bottom, a tractor laterally movable on each support, and coacting means on each tractor and platform for coupling them together so that the tractor is operable to shift a platform either to remove the same off said car bottom onto said support or olf said support onto said car bottom.

IVER E. KULLERSTRAND. 

